I’ve been keeping track of the books I read in GoodReads for a few years now, and I always enjoy looking back on what I read when the year is coming to a close.
In 2022, I read 70 books! I read several good ones (my average rating is 3.4 stars), but a few definitely stand out. I think I rated more books with five stars than I did in 2021.
Note, I save the 5-star ratings for books that change my LIFE! These are books that really stood out and still have me thinking. So, here are the best ones I read in 2022:
‘Live Your Life’ by Amanda Kloots | Memoir
“Live Your Life” is Amanda’s story of how she met and fell in love with Nick and, ultimately, her experience dealing with him being sick during a global pandemic.
I listened to the audio version of this book, and it was my first 5-star rating of 2022!
Read my full book review here.
‘The Storyteller’ by Dave Grohl | Memoir
I completely stumbled upon this one while looking for something new to read, and I still don’t know if I can properly explain what a freakin TREAT this book was! I truly didn’t want it to end.
I loved the variety of stories (covering his music career, grief, money, and family) and how they were written and told. It was so refreshing to hear “insider” stories that felt like conversations with an old friend. I listened to the audio version and absolutely loved it.
Read my full book review here.
‘Between Two Kingdoms’ by Suleika Jaouad | Memoir
I bought this book in 2021, but it took me a while to actually open ad read it because of its close relationship to cancer. I decided to rip the bandaid off when a bright woman I met in Louisiana lost her battle with breast cancer. Maybe this book would comfort me in some way, I thought.
In a strange way, it did. I learned so much about the medical side of Suleika’s cancer and also got to see how she coped with recovery and relationships. There are so many people’s stories in this book it would be difficult not to love it — plus, it’s beautifully written.
‘The Tobacco Wives’ by Adele Myers | Fiction
“The Tobacco Wives” takes place in 1946 in Bright Leaf, North Carolina, where tobacco is grown, harvested, sold, and feeds the cigarette plant. The entire town relies on tobacco and cigarette sales.
When Maddie (the main character) comes across information that puts tobacco consumption in a different light, she’s not sure what to do. Taking away the money of Bright Leaf wouldn’t be good, but what about everyone’s health?
When I say this is not a book I would’ve picked up on my own, I mean it, and it’s so wild because I absolutely LOVED it. This was Myers’ debut novel, and I’d venture to say it was the BEST book I read in 2022.
Read my full book review here.
‘Three Pianos’ by Andrew McMahon | Memoir
The memoir starts with McMahon’s parents and then his childhood. His father dealt with addiction, and Andrew worked through it via music. The book also includes McMahon’s battle with cancer and addiction.
I’m not sure if just anyone would love this book as much as I did. I found the addiction portions intriguing (I used to read lots of addiction memoirs) and the chapters on his battle with cancer were so unique. I’ve read several cancer memoirs, but Andrew had a very different perspective.
Read my full book review here.
‘More Myself’ by Alicia Keys | Memoir
I got the audio version of this because its read by Alicia Keys, and I was hoping it would have music in it.
Not only does it have music in it, but it also has chapters read by their authors, including Jay-Z, Michelle Obama, Clive Davis, and even Alicia’s mom and dad.
The book covers Alicia’s life from her childhood, the beginning of her music career, her relationship with Swiss Beats (he also reads a few chapters), age her other ventures (business-wise and charitable).
Read my full book review here.
‘Lessons in Chemistry’ by Bonnie Garmus | Fiction
“Lessons in Chemistry” follows chemist Elizabeth Zott. It’s the 1960s, and although she’s smart and talented at her job, women are certainly not treated as equals.
But she finds love, has a baby… and tragedy strikes. However, a silver lining appears, putting Zott on TV, providing her a platform to speak with other women.
It’s rare for me to give a fiction book 5-stars, but this book was the perfect escape!
Read my full book review here.
…And, those are the best books I read in 2022! I’m looking forward to seeing what books I’ll read in 2023 🙂
For more book recommendations, be sure to subscribe to the blog (look to the right) and follow me on Goodreads @thebitterlemon – where I share more of my book picks. Also, check out my printable bookmarks and Book Club Journal Pages in my Etsy Shop.
The Bitter Lemon 